If you are looking to create jobs, talk with us. We process Building Permits including Plan Review, Inspections and coordination with other agencies to issue Permits. We process Development Applications including environmental review, provide zoning information and support long-range planning through the County’s General Plan. Code Enforcement responds to Building, Land Use, Abandoned Vehicles, Noise, Nuisance Abatement and the County’s Restrictions on Cultivation of Medical Marijuana Ordinance complaints.

Laws and Regulations (State and Other)

Laws That You Should Be Aware Of

Cultivation of marijuana for medicinal use requires growers to know and comply with both State and local jurisdiction requirements. It is important to note that criminal compliance does not necessarily mean that a grower is in compliance with local ordinances regulating cultivation, nor does compliance with local cultivation regulations mean that a grower is in compliance with State law. Review both State law requirements and local jurisdiction rules and regulations before beginning to cultivate marijuana for medicinal purposes in Butte County.

Criminal Compliance

These Rules Apply to All Cultivation in the County

The Sheriff's Special Enforcement Unit (S.E.U) is tasked with investigating the unlawful cultivation of marijuana and verifying and regulating the use of medical marijuana under State law. The S.E.U is comprised of a Sheriff's Sergeant, a Deputy Sheriff and a District Attorney Investigator.

The District Attorney has posted guidelines at http://www.buttecounty.net/da/215.htm that attempt to describe the best way to avoid conflict with the vagueness of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 and applicable California Health and Safety Code sections.

Questions regarding criminal compliance should be directed to the Special Enforcement Unit at: 530.538.7389.

Local Jurisdiction Compliance

In addition to State law, most local jurisdictions in Butte County have enacted an ordinance (local law) which regulates cultivation within their jurisdictions. You must follow both State law and local regulations.

If you live in one of the incorporated cities or towns, (LookUp a parcel to see if it is in the county or one of the five cities) please consult your local jurisdiction regarding cultivation regulations in that jurisdiction:

If you live in the unincorporated area of Butte County, regulation of the cultivation of marijuana for medicinal purposes is governed by Butte County Ordinance 4051, codified as Chapter 34 A of the Butte County Code.
Compliance is enforced by the Butte County Department of Development Services-Code Enforcement.